Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/120

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116 ECCLES. volume, the University of Glasgow, in consideration of his merit, conferred upon him the degree of D.D. Towards the close of his life, Dr. Duchal applied himself diligently to the study of the Hebrew language, which at that time was brought before the public by the doctrines of Hutchin son, and his followers. Dr. Duchal did not surrender his reason to their mysterious fancies and delusions, and treated with contempt their notions of finding doctrines and revelations in the roots of the Hebrew and Greek words; considering their efforts as calculated to be injurious to the cause of genuine truth and religion. Dr. Duchal's constitution was not naturally strong, and was worn down by incessant labours. His death took place May 4, 1761, when he had completed his sixty fourth year. He was justly regretted by his numerous friends, as a faithful pastor, and a valuable example of piety, purity, modesty, humility, candour, and benevolence. In his religious sentiments he was liberal, and an ardent friend to freedom of inquiry. Dr. Duchal had often been solicited by his friends to select from his valuable stock of sermons such as he thought fittest for the press; from various causes, however, this was not done; but after his death three volumes were published, and except the first thirteen, were taken nearly at a ven ‘ture, because such a vein of strong manly sense, and natural piety was found to run through the whole of them, as made it difficult to find any principle of selection. They were published in three separate volumes, in 1762, 1764, and 1765. AMBROSE ECCLES, An ingenious dramatic critic, was a native of Ireland; and, after having gone through a regular course of educa tion in Trinity College, went to the Continent, intending to make what is called the tour of Europe. He spent some time in France, from whence he proceeded to Italy; but a continuance of i l l health compelled him t o forego the further prosecution o f his design, ord t o return home.